5 Things to Do with… Burlap

Whether adding a country accent to modern rooms or a touch of class to rustic spaces, one thing is for sure about burlap—it's not just for potato sacks anymore.

In the DIY decorating and design worlds, burlap is trending in a big way—and why shouldn’t it be? Burlap’s neutral color and earthy texture are at home in so many spaces. Plus, it’s versatile: You can dress it up or dress it down. And best of all, burlap is easy on the wallet. Here are a few easy ways of putting it to use.

1. MAKE A WREATH

Photo: homedeco50.wordpress.com

Looking for a non-traditional approach to making wreaths? Well, one advantage of burlap is that it will never wilt! Ornament the wreath with a sprig of fresh flowers, pine cones, or a colorful bow—whatever you’re in the mood for. Or swap in something new every season so that your wreath works all year long.

2. BUILD A DRY-ERASE BOARD

Photo: jillruth.com

A secret many don’t know is that dry-erase markers work just as well on glass as they do on specialized dry-erase boards. To assemble your own instant memo board, cover a piece of cardboard with some burlap, then pop it into a pretty frame behind a pane of cut-to-size glass. Voila!

3. DRESS UP YOUR CANDLES

Photo: myloveofstyle.com

Simple elegance doesn’t get much simpler. Knock off designer candle decor using only burlap and some basics, such as glue and paint. In a fancy store, you could easily pay $40 for a candle like this; by comparison, this project would cost you almost nothing to complete.

4. CRAFT A TABLE RUNNER

Photo: anoregoncottage.com

Step one: Use stencils or another paint application to embellish your burlap with either one color or a multitude. Step two: Fringe the ends for rustic flair. That’s it! Indeed, there are few easier ways to accent your dining room than with a handsome, homemade burlap table runner like this example from An Oregon Cottage.

5. CREATE STORAGE BINS

Photo: imperfecthomemaking.com

Hot glue and burlap are all you need to turn sturdy cardboard boxes into better-than-average storage bins. As an added flourish, include ruffled ribbon remnants. Has recycling ever looked so great?